Relevance of the tort of nuisance in redressing damage from oil and gas pollution in Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution from oil and gas activities has become a ubiquitous phenomenon for the Nigerian Niger Delta environment. The scope of oil and gas pollution on the Nigerian environment spans almost the entire exploration and production operations. The overall purpose of environmental protection law in the sector is to prevent pollution as much as possible. When it inevitably takes place, the law moves to control it and reduce its negative effect on the environment, restore the environment and compensate the victims. Common law of England, doctrines of equity, and statutes of general application in force before 1900 in England form a major source of law in Nigeria. These principles of law however apply subject to local enactments. The study appraises the relevance of the common law principle of nuisance in redressing oil and gas pollution damage.

Keywords: Tort of Nuisance, Oil and Gas, Pollution, Damage, Redress, Nigeria